The Stouffville Chamber of Commerce is about to become Downtown Stouffville’s biggest cheerleader as it takes over responsibilities for promoting the area as a shopping, dining, cultural and tourist destination.
“The Stouffville Chamber of Commerce is looking forward to working with the downtown merchants and landlords to develop programs, initiatives and events that will attract residents from near and far, bring the town together and support local business,” says Sonya Torres, Chair of the Stouffville Chamber of Commerce.
Chamber of Commerce
As part of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) approved at a Town Council meeting on April 20, the Chamber will work in partnership with businesses to strengthen relationships and create a vision that will support greater entrepreneurship and investment. It will also plan and coordinate events that will promote Downtown Stouffville as a vibrant place to live, work and play.
Stouffville had a Business Improvement Area (BIA) for the downtown from 1980 to 2009. It formed the Downtown Stouffville Working Group in 2006 and the BIA was fold into it in 2009.
Because of the transfer of management, the Downtown Stouffville Working Group has been disbanded.
“The town is thankful for the Chamber to begin its work with our downtown businesses, creating a place for residents and visitors to enjoy,” Mayor of Whitchurch-Stouffville Iain Lovatt says. “We thank the Downtown Stouffville Working Group for its dedication and hard work over the years in supporting Stouffville’s downtown.”
The funds to support the MOU come directly from the Downtown Special Levy of $73,000 annually. The town will realize additional savings with the elimination of the Downtown Coordinator position. The agreement becomes effective June 1 and is in place until December 31, 2022 with the option for an additional two-year term.
Photo: The Chamber will plan and coordinate events that will promote Downtown Stouffville as a vibrant place to live, work and play.
